Skill: Locate fractions on a number line

To locate a fraction on a number line:

1. Look at the denominator. It tells you how many equal parts to divide each whole unit into.
2. Look at the numerator. It tells you how many of those parts to count from $0$.
3. Mark the point where you stop.

Example: Locate $\frac{5}{4}$

Step 1: Use the denominator.
The denominator is $4$, so divide each interval from one whole number to the next into $4$ equal parts. Each part is $\frac{1}{4}$.

Step 2: Count the parts.
Starting at $0$, count $5$ parts:

• $1$ part: $\frac{1}{4}$
• $2$ parts: $\frac{2}{4}$
• $3$ parts: $\frac{3}{4}$
• $4$ parts: $\frac{4}{4}=1$
• $5$ parts: $\frac{5}{4}$

Since $4$ parts make $1$ whole, the fifth part is one quarter past $1$:

$$\frac{5}{4}=1\frac{1}{4}$$

So, $\frac{5}{4}$ is located at $1\frac{1}{4}$ on the number line.

0       1       2
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0  1/4 2/4 3/4  1  5/4

The point for $\frac{5}{4}$ is one quarter of the way between $1$ and $2$.